Bad Bunny Brings Puerto Rican Pride to Super Bowl Halftime

Grammy winner's performance sparks celebration in Milwaukee's Boricua community

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Grammy winner Bad Bunny is set to perform at this Sunday's Super Bowl halftime show, and for Milwaukee's Puerto Rican community, this moment represents far more than just entertainment. The excitement is palpable at local Puerto Rican establishments, with community members calling this weekend's game the "Benito Bowl" in honor of the reggaeton superstar. For many in Milwaukee's Boricua community, Bad Bunny's performance goes beyond music - it's about representation and cultural pride.

Why it matters

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance is seen as a landmark moment for Milwaukee's Puerto Rican community, providing much-needed representation and visibility for their culture. The event is sparking celebrations across the city's South Side, where Puerto Rican pride runs deep.

The details

Local Puerto Rican establishments like Pueblo Foods are buzzing with excitement, with community members preparing traditional dishes like arroz con gandules specifically for Bad Bunny's performance. Zócalo, a local restaurant, is hosting a watch party to celebrate the game, the music, and Puerto Rican culture, offering $3 draft beers and $2 Don Q shots in honor of Puerto Rico.

  • Bad Bunny is set to perform at this Sunday's Super Bowl halftime show.

The players

Bad Bunny

A Grammy-winning reggaeton superstar who is set to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show.

William Mendez

A member of Milwaukee's Puerto Rican community who is excited about Bad Bunny's performance.

Janice Cala

A member of Milwaukee's Puerto Rican community who is preparing traditional Puerto Rican dishes for Bad Bunny's performance.

Armando Luna

The assistant manager at Zócalo, a local restaurant hosting a Bad Bunny Super Bowl watch party.

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What they’re saying

“We're American citizens, and a lot of people don't treat us as such. So just getting the recognition that he's getting — and what he's done for Puerto Rico — it holds a special place in my heart.”

— William Mendez (TMJ4)

“I think he's the voice of Puerto Rico. Yes — I love Bad Bunny. Yes.”

— Janice Cala (TMJ4)

“They're saying they're not watching the Super Bowl, they're watching the Benito Bowl.”

— William Mendez (TMJ4)

“We had to give love to the roots of Benito.”

— Armando Luna, Assistant Manager, Zócalo (TMJ4)

“Benito is really making that pride something that people want to talk about.”

— Armando Luna, Assistant Manager, Zócalo (TMJ4)

The takeaway

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance is a landmark moment for Milwaukee's Puerto Rican community, providing much-needed representation and visibility for their culture. The event is sparking celebrations across the city's South Side, where Puerto Rican pride runs deep, and showcasing the community's deep connection to their heritage and the impact of their cultural icons.